During high school, my son; Cliff suffered an injury to his ankle. Post surgery I was told that he would never play football again and to withdraw him from ROTC (his passion). After graduation, he worked several jobs whose offers were limited. Exhausting insufficient pay and no benefits, Cliff talked with a recruiter. Cliff explained about his two year old injury. The recruiter told him to lie about it and say that he was in a motocycle accident. (not true) He was enlisted into the Army National Guard. In 2004 Cliff was activated with orders for IRAQ. I begged for him to disclose his injury so that he would not have to go overseas. Cliff strongly exclaimed; "Hell no! I am going to be with my troops!) In 2008, again he was on tour status. After 15 years of service and two deployments to IRAQ, Cliff' suffers from severe PTSD. Cliff is extremely anxious in a crowd, when around people , he watches their hands. While in a room , he must know where the exits are. He becomes overwhelmed at the slightest issue. He has panic and anxiety attacks, depression, insomnia, he isolates himself, and has a plan of suicide. Years of ruck-marching, strenous exercise and PT, has left him with limited mobilization. He is facing surgery to fuse his ankle to his lower leg bone. He has gained nearly 200 pounds. He cannot work. He recieves NO financial help. He is separated from his wife and son. Now that you have met Cliff, I hope that you understand, he is a hero in that, he did NOT have to go. He could have easily been discharged from his duties. He could have stayed behind. He could have reduced himself to a chicken! Cliff's mother, Linda Hendrickson

Linda Hendrickson
Gastonia, NC